Now i dont know much (or anything) about alchemy, but perhaps this is related. Ever heard of Damascus steel? so sharp it could cut stone, never broke, never rusted? Well the ancient secret was lost to history apparently. We can make steel with the same patterens and ingredients. but not the mythical weapons of yore. So heres my take. perhaps the secret was magick. Alchemy or enchantment placed on the blades/metal objects could easily explain their mystical properies and the lost art of making them as of old. Let me know what you think ppl.

Damascus steel is a type of steel where two different metals are combined into one piece of metal, often forming beautiful patterns. Knife-makers use Damascus steel for high-end blades. I have seen American flags, stars, and other intricate shapes forged into pieces of Damascus steel.

oh yes i know that. But while what they call 'damascus steel' and wootz steel are a combination of several metals looks like the originals, they arent the same. they have some of the later blades built just before the art is forgotten. though really old and dull, they are still amazing metal. The modern day remakes are pale shadows compared to this. It is still better than regular steel, but its not the same.

Before science advanced to its present form, magic was often used in history to make up for society's lack of scientific expertise. Instead of using advanced metallurgy, it is perfectly reasonable to suspect magic was used in the making of Damascus steel-- or at least Alchemy.